Blog

Archive: December 2014

Merry Christmas!

19 December 2014

As Christmas approaches and 2014 draws to an end, here at CMPR we look back on the past year and are thankful for the successes we have had - from celebrating the tenth year of Belfast FASHIONWEEK to successfully launching our CMPR model and talent agency. From new projects with old clients like Dillon Bass, Junk Kouture, Jason Clarke, Skin Medi Spa & The Ladyboys of Bangkok tour (among others), to exciting campaigns & events for newer clients like DV8, Argento, North Down Borough Council, River Medical and AS Residential... From goodbye Talbot Street to 'Hello Holywood!', it has certainly been an exciting year!

We are grateful to the clients who have had faith in us, for the suppliers who continue to help us make things happen - and to the dream team at CMPR HQ who help sprinkle the fairy dust on all our events and projects. We can't forget the countless volunteers at BFW and the interns who give up their time to gain industry experience. We can both learn from each other, it has to be said.

Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. May 2015 bring all the success of 2014 and more.

Cathy (as well as Sarah-Jayne, Chris, Lucy & Leeza)

Maya Abdominal Massage - Key to Fertility & Digestive Health

18 December 2014

In a busy world full of pharmaceutical drug choices and often complex medical procedures for ill health and conception; Arvigo Maya masseuse Judith Mulgrew is a highly sought-after, certified therapist who specialises in pre-pregnancy and abdominal massage for a number of issues including IBS, painful periods and endometriosis as well as fertility. Fantastic results, including natural pregnancies from previous IVF clients, as well as healthy digestion for those suffering from Crones Disease are among some of the success stories with the treatment across a range of health problems.

Having trained in the jungle in Belize with the official Arvigo founder Rosita Arvigo, Judith is one of a small number of highly trained individuals who have been taught Maya Abdominal Therapy – an ancient south American technique which has been handed down from generation to generation. Her training allows her to help treat digestive, fertility, menstrual and menopausal problems with Mayan massage, empowering clients with take-home techniques they can introduce into their daily routine to improve their health and take charge of their own well-being.

Judith said: “Lots of people – male and female - come to me physically, mentally and socially impaired by problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, fertility issues or, in females, extreme menstrual pain. Helping people who are suffering from these debilitating difficulties can leave them feeling energised, centred and balanced, as well as much healthier overall.”

The massage is performed in a slow, deep, penetrating manner which releases deep muscle tissue spasms in the entire abdominal area, prevents and corrects a fallen or tilted uterus or swollen prostate, and facilitates the normal flow of blood, lymph, nerves and chi throughout the entire body.

Judith adds: “These deep ancient massage techniques correct poor dynamics of the abdomen and its many organs so vital to digestion, assimilation, elimination, secretions and reproduction in both men and women. It is an external, non-invasive massage treatment on the abdomen and back that works to soften musculature, align the pelvic bones, adjust the uterus to its proper position, release muscular tension in the trunk and enhance circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids, elimination, secretion of hormones and prevent swelling and congestion of the prostate. It may be deemed a holistic and complementary therapy now, but traditional and more scientific medicine is recognising the technique and its benefits more and more – primarily for fertility and for digestion, but I imagine its popularity and acceptance will grow and grow.”

To book an appointment with Judith call: 028 9068 1066 or email: info@skinmedispa.com

Seainin Brennan - The Fall Season Two

17 December 2014

Actress Séainín Brennan returned to our screens recently in Season Two of the BBC Primetime Drama THE FALL. The Irish actress, who is from Belfast where the drama is filmed, resumed her role as Liz Tyler in the critically acclaimed thriller, alongside Jamie Dornan as Paul Spector and Gillian Anderson as Stella Gibson.

Season One of The Fall saw Séainín take on her most challenging TV role to date playing Liz Tyler - a bereaved mother and wife who is struggling to come to terms with the recent death of her only child. With little to no comfort from her husband, Liz sought solace in her bereavement counsellor Paul Spector (played by Dornan) who, unbeknown to Liz, is the serial killer at large. Paul Spector, in turn, began to develop an unhealthy professional relationship with Liz in her most vulnerable state, and, after discovering that she was suffering in silence at the hands of her abusive husband, managed to persuade her to leave him by the end of the first season. Over the course of the five part series their relationship unfolded and after the first three episodes of this new season, Séainín returned as Liz Tyler to play a crucial role with explosive consequences.

Speaking of her return, Séainín said: "Every actress wants a character they can really get their teeth into, and I’m very lucky that I get to do that with Liz. Allan Cubitt is a phenomenal writer and I'm over the moon to be working with him again as he takes Liz on another emotional roller-coaster ride."

Speaking about her character Séainín said: “When we first meet Liz in Season One, she's living a hell on earth existence. Her only child has died and she is grief stricken. No parent should have to bury their child and it’s a very real pain that is difficult to watch. It's clear from the start that her marriage is suffering as a result, however, it's only later we discover she is actually suffering terrible domestic violence at the hands of her abusive husband. It's impossible to underplay the brutality of domestic violence and often people are uncomfortable talking about it, which leads many women to suffer in silence. Liz feels so feels isolated and alone and thinks that the only person who she can confide in is her bereavement counsellor Paul Spector, who gives Liz the courage she desperately needs to leave her husband. Of course she's totally unaware that he is the serial killer loose on the streets of Belfast."

On the subject of domestic violence, Séainín states: "As an actor, I want to portray the truth of any given situation, no matter how difficult that situation may be. I carry out extensive research to get a very real insight into what my character is going through in order for me to try to translate that accurately on screen. What I have learned is that domestic violence is like a door marked "DO NOT ENTER" - people shy away from it - they want to sweep it under the carpet and forget it exists, but it's an all too familiar scenario for so many people. I got an insight and understanding as to why some women stay in an abusive relationship, despite the physical and emotional attacks. That's the most terrifying thing of all. Spector offers Liz "a lifeline" in Season One by facilitating her departure from her husband and that's where she begins her journey in Season Two."

Speaking about Season Two, Séainín said: "I hate spoilers, so I'm obviously not going to give anything away, but what I will say is that the next few episodes will deliver quality drama at its very best."

Aside from playing a regular character in The Fall, the busy actress has been working on several other high profile projects. Séainín also plays Dr. Brynn Morad in HALO: NIGHTFALL – executive produced by Ridley Scott. Her first movie "DARE TO BE WILD”, will be released in 2015 and she is currently in pre-production for a new exciting short film "GIRONA", which she will start filming in January 2015. Writer and director Paul McGuigan wrote the role of Sophie in "GIRONA" for Séainín.

The Fall airs each Thursday on BBC 2 at 9pm and on Sundays on RTE 1 at 9.30pm.

Festive Fever at DV8 Fashion

02 December 2014

Christmas shopping fever has well and truly kicked in, and one high street fashion retailer ready for the rush is DV8. Established in 1994 offering a ground-breaking range of branded and own-brand clothing, footwear and accessories for both men and women, DV8 has grown to become one of the top independent fashion retailers - both online and on the high street - with 38 stores across the UK and Ireland.

Festive favourites such as Adidas, Calvin Klein, Converse, G-Star Raw, New Balance, Superdry, Cutie London, Dr. Martens, Irregular Choice, Lipsy, Rocket Dog and Yumi are just some of the brands that present buyers can choose from, as well as perfect party wear designed in-house in the form of DV8 Menswear and Womenswear.

Fashion buyer at DV8, Anne Marie Doherty said: “Christmas is a very exciting, but busy time of the year; however at DV8 we’re geared up and ready to satisfy our customers with a great range of on-trend winter essentials and perfect festive gifts including winter coats, boots, party dresses and even Christmas jumpers. With fresh stock being delivered right up to Christmas, as well as repeat pieces coming into the stores each and every day, we’ll be doing our best to provide the perfect party wear or gifts for everyone this December.”

In terms of trends and predictions for the party season, Anne Marie added: “Here at DV8 you’ll definitely get your seasonal style bang on point, from the all-too-popular Christmas jumpers and cosy winter warmers to sparkling party dresses and metallic jeans for the ladies; as well as smart shirts, tailored trousers and a whole lot of cool casual for the guys. We’re seeing check shirts make a comeback, with lots of knits in all colours proving to be a popular choice. The guys will also love our huge range of shoes, trainers and boots from brands such as Caterpillar, Timberland, Puma and New Balance. And, if the idea of hitting the shops in December is your worst nightmare, you’re also in luck with DV8’s extensive online site. Beat the queues at www.dv8fashion.com

'Love Counts' at Crosshill Gallery re-launch

01 December 2014

Popular Omagh art business Spires Art Group will this week re-launch The Crosshill Gallery with a special exhibition by Doug Hyde, 'the UK's most popular living artist' [BBC national news] entitled 'Love Counts'.

The exhibition, which includes sculpture as well as paintings, has toured across the UK and Ireland and gallery owner Colm McRory said he was privileged to have it at his newly launched gallery. "Doug’s work is really unique, very fresh and very now, so we’re delighted to have something so relevant to contemporary art as our opening exhibition. We have a whole host of other artists from across Ireland and beyond, and we welcome everyone from near and far to come and join us for our opening night. And if you can’t make the opening night, then come and see us anytime or check us out online."

He added: "Art is an affordable investment as well as a perfect Christmas present or even an excellent ‘gift-to-self’, so it’s a great time to pick something up or drop some hints in the right direction!"